An Introduction

After I experienced some writers block, unsure what I should write for my first story, I decided on an introduction because that's where things usually start off after all, right? But I found this to be a bit of a challenge. Do I introduce myself using labels that have been placed on me by society? The ones that seem to sum us up as a whole person? I feel that I'm more than these labels. I'm an addict, but I'm also an artist, I'm a daughter, I'm a lover, I'm a hater. I'm flawed and weak, but I'm also strong, capable of accomplishing anything I'm passionate about. I'm recovered, and I'm troubled. I'm not healthy mentally, but my being isn't measured by diagnosis'. I'm confused about my sexuality because there's too many labels to choose one. So, who am I, really? My name is Bianca, I'm 22 living in a world that's currently turned upside down. Funny enough, my life was upside down from the star and only just started turning right side up when this virus came around to torment us all. On March 16th 2020 my mind connected this constellation of thoughts acquired over the last 8 years that caused a switch in mentality. I got clean and I've fallen, but instead of admitting defeat and staying down like I'd done those years before, this time, I got right back up. I think I've become a new person entirely too many times to count. Instead of focusing on my mistakes and lost battles, I'm choosing to keep my mind and perspective open enough to acknowledge that lost battles don't equal a lost war, and falling down isn't what speaks about me, it's the ability to get back up that speaks volumes. I write, draw and paint. I've been learning and practising meditation and mindfulness. I learn as much as I can about psychology in an attempt to learn about myself and others - how to help myself and others. I absorb as much information as I can learning from other people and their experiences, accumulating all these ideas until I finally gained enough knowledge to make a difference in my life. So, you can imagine my delight when I was introduced to a community where I can continue accumulating knowledge while sharing what I've learned along the way as well. I'm grateful to everyone who has had the courage to share their story because all these stories have taught me how to change my own, which I invite you to follow along with me here.

With love - Bianca